Opener Matt Renshaw on Wednesday said Australia had talked about playing a waiting game on the second day of the series decider against South Africa at Newlands.
Faced with the immediate pressure of losing two quick wickets after South Africa's first-innings total of 329, Australian batsmen in the middle order resisted the urge to panic, choosing instead to trust their preparation and stick firmly to their plans on Wednesday.
After day two, Australia have a lead of 1 run with six wickets intact.
As the pitch began to test the batsmen with variable bounce and subtle turn, the partnership out in the middle became a vital exercise in grit and composure. Reflecting on how they weathered the storm and adapted to contrasting scoring gears, Renshaw detailed the mindset required to absorb the pressure.
"It was more just how could we stick to our tempo, stick to our plans and try and see where we were going to be tonight," Renshaw - who scored 74 - said on Wednesday.
"I was in for probably an hour and a half before Cameron Green came in so I'm at a completely different mindset and tempo compared to when he was coming in. He's buzzing around a lot so it's just about me being the calmer head out there," Renshaw said.
The partnership clicked as Green, who scored 65, injected positive momentum to counter the probing Proteas attack, validating the team's shared strategy of weathering hostile spells through grit and resistance.
"We were under a little bit of pressure having lost two quick wickets and the way that he played was really positive. We knew that they were going to come hard through periods, and it was just about building partnerships," said Renshaw.
Breaking down the conditions at Cape Town, Renshaw noted that patience at the crease ultimately unlocked scoring opportunities on a quick surface.
"It felt like a nice wicket. There's a few balls starting to spin, a few balls that popped. The guys that have applied themselves have scored runs. It's a rapid outfield, so that also helps the scoring rate a bit quicker," said Renshaw, as Australia firmly turned the tide.
Wicketkeeper batsman Jos Inglis on Wednesday scored an unbeaten 85 as Australia reached 330 for four at the close of the second day.
Australia are one run ahead of South Africa's score of 329 and in control of the match as they eye a commanding first-innings lead.
Inglis, who came into the side for the injured Steve Smith, shared an unbeaten 145 partnership with Alex Carey (51 not out) for the fifth wicket.
South Africa toiled in the field as all Australian batters except Marnus Labuschagne (0) got in and scored runs.
